How to connect a Kinect

Microsoft’s Kinect is a versatile multimedia input device that can be used as a 3D scanner. Originally it was launched as an extension to its Xbox game console. We describe how to connect a Kinect to your Windows PC.

Nintendo’s Wii game console introduced motion control to games via wireless remote controls. Later Microsoft added motion control to its XBox360 game console as well. They even did not need remote controls. Instead they used a dedicated camera system, called Kinect, that could do the job without remotes … and much more.

The Kinect happened to be a versatile device that, connected to your Windows computer, offers an array of new functions. The most striking one is 3D scanning in a user friendly way. That is very interesting for a device with a second hand street price of USD 25!

The plethora of new functions requires a lot of exploring and experimenting which can start as soon as your Kinect has been connected to your Windows computer. And that, surprisingly, is sometimes a frustrating exercise. We will try to help you out.

1. Identify your Kinect

Kinect for Xbox One

AFAIK there are four types of Kinect now:

Kinect for XBox 360, the original device launched as an extension to the XBox 360 game console.

Kinect for Windows, i.e. Windows 7, the same as the previous one, only the firmware is more advanced, i.e. allows closer distances to the object.

Kinect for XBox One, the successor of the earlier Kinect for XBox 360.

Kinect for Windows v2, i.e Windows 8, the same as the previous one, but now for connection to your PC.

So be sure, you know which Kinect edition you are using.

If you do not have one yet, we recommend the Kinect for Xbox 360 for the moment. It is cheap, the software runs on Windows 7 and you will find many free resources on the internet.